I've been considering getting a bird for almost a year now and have been reading many, many topics on this forum (and other things) to learn more and recently came across a topic mentioning night cages and day cages. I want to start smaller, like a budgie (we had one when I was very young, and it's been dead many years now) or a cockatiel (though I'm worried about the noise?), but my father would rather get a larger bird, like some sort of Amazon or African Grey (though if you have any suggestion for an "easier" "starter" bird that's a bit larger and can learn/mimic speech, definitely say so! Cheaper would be nice also). Which of these birds would need different cages for day and night? And what does a night cage or a day cage need? (like perches, food/water bowls, toys?)
I've been reading up on avian supplies and have decided on a powdered or aluminum (someone said that aluminum was not the strongest and possibly toxic?) cage for one of the larger birds (we already have a smaller cage for a budgie/cockatiel. It seems just painted, but I have no idea - we bought it at the pet store many years ago with the budgie, I believe) most likely the one from mdbirdfarm: 40"x32"x75" Interior Height: 62" Bar Spacing: 1" Weight: 179 lbs, Opening Victorian Top Cage {I would post the link but I just joined to ask some questions and am not completely certain of the rules with pictures and links}. It's powder coated and deemed non-toxic, though I'm not sure how they figured that out (It doesn't expressly say the US tested it for zinc/lead/whatever) Could that double as both a night and day cage? What dimensions would I need for night/day cages? Do you have any brand suggestions? (I've read King Cages is good, and I've already checked out their website a bit - I would probably be easily persuaded in their favor!)
Also, is there anything I can get so that the bird may settle down, almost like in a nest? (if it's possible for me to offer something like that without the bird getting hormonal - which birds get that way?) Or are birds supposed to stand all the time?
Edit;; Also, what's the ideal bar spacing for all of the previously mentioned birds/any birds you suggest?
Thank you in advance for any answer/advice/other you send my way